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Oklo vs. NuScale: Which Nuclear Startup Stock is the Better Player Now?
ZACKSยท 2025-05-29 15:46
Core Insights - The global clean energy sector is evolving, with nuclear energy stocks like Oklo Inc. and NuScale Power gaining attention due to rising government support and investment in small modular and advanced nuclear technologies [1][2] Summary of Oklo Inc. (OKLO) - Recent Achievements: Oklo signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power to support the development of its Aurora powerhouse and completed borehole drilling for site characterization at Idaho National Laboratory [4][5] - Financial Stability: As of Q1 2025, Oklo had cash and cash equivalents of $201 million, down from $228 million at the end of 2024, but reported no notable debt, indicating solid financial stability [7] - Challenges: Oklo has not yet started generating revenues, with its first Aurora powerhouse expected to go live in 2027, and faces high operating costs [8] Summary of NuScale Power Corporation (SMR) - Recent Achievements: NuScale reported a narrower loss per share compared to the prior year and an impressive year-over-year revenue growth of 857.1%, being the only small modular reactor company with U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission design approval [9][10] - Financial Stability: As of Q1 2025, NuScale had cash and cash equivalents of $527 million, up from $447 million at the end of 2024, and reported no notable debt, indicating strong financial stability [11] - Challenges: NuScale has yet to secure a firm commercial order but expects its first order this year, while also facing industry-wide challenges [12] Earnings Per Share (EPS) Estimates - Oklo's 2025 EPS estimate is a loss of 42 cents, an improvement from a loss of 74 cents the previous year, with estimates trending upward [13] - NuScale's 2025 EPS estimate is a loss of 41 cents, a deterioration from earnings of 42 cents the previous year, with estimates remaining constant [14] Stock Performance and Valuation - Over the past three months, SMR has outperformed OKLO with a 128.9% increase compared to OKLO's 88%, but OKLO has shown a 437.4% increase over the past year compared to SMR's 306.1% [17] - SMR's valuation is more attractive, with a trailing 12-month Price/Book ratio of 18.97X compared to OKLO's 28.55X [18] Investment Recommendation - NuScale is currently viewed as the more attractive investment opportunity due to its revenue generation, stronger cash position, and favorable valuation compared to Oklo, which is still in the pre-revenue stage [19][20]